末

• Reading: すえ
• Romaji: sue
• Kanji breakdown: 末 (matsu/sue) — end, tip, powder
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.e/

Meaning

The end of; the close of a period. Also means powder or fine particles.

A noun most commonly used as a suffix indicating the end of a time period: 月末 (end of month), 年末 (end of year), 週末 (weekend). Can also appear independently to mean 'the result after' or 'the future/descendants.' The powder meaning is less common in daily use.

Examples

1. 月末までにレポートを出さなければならない。 I have to submit the report by the end of the month.
2. 年末は実家に帰る予定です。 I plan to go back to my parents' house at the end of the year.
3. 悩んだ末に転職を決めた。 After much deliberation, I decided to change jobs.

Usage Guide

Context: time expressions, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 末 depicts a tree with a mark at the top of its branches, indicating the tip or end. Originally meant 'treetop' and extended to mean 'end' or 'extremity.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal